I am sure that most if not all of us have heard the phrase, “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer”. I know that I have and often wonder why that is such a true statement. This morning as I study abundance, I am brought to Matthew 13 where Jesus explains why He speaks to the people in parables.

“¹¹And he answered them, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. ¹²For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. ¹³This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.’” – Matthew 13:11-13 (ESV)

I now see that those that have, will be given more as they will continue to seek more. They will do more to get more and therefore enrich themselves. Those that do not have, likely do not even realize they do not have and therefore do not know what they do not know. Once their eyes and ears are opened, they will have the knowledge to seek more and in turn will get more. Jesus explains to the disciples that He speaks in what the people know to help them understand and will in turn seek to know more.

I have a desire to know more and therefore I spend each weekday morning in study of God’s Word. I don’t just read the Word, I look deeper into it to truly understand and learn so that I will be able to seek more and be granted more wisdom into my role and the tasks God has given me to accomplish that role.

My abundance comes from my continued work and learning each day so that I can be a part of the “rich get richer” group.

What are your thought related to the “rich get richer and poor get poorer” statement? Are you seeking to understand by opening your eyes and ears to see and hear the Lord? Are you willing to put in the continued work and learning?

“³¹For the Lord will not cast off forever, ³²but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; ³³for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.” – Lamentations 3:31-33 (ESV)

When I read the above verses I get a bit confused and find it difficult to believe that God would “cause grief”. It took a bit of additional reading for me to more fully understand. You see, God allows grief and therefore it is misunderstood to mean that He causes it.

God loves me unconditionally and would not harm me. He allows for the adversity in my life, and calls on me to push through and continue to have my eyes and actions on Him. When I am disobedient, I am subject to discipline from my heavenly Father. That discipline comes from His love and is full of “compassion”.

It is up to me to repent of the sins I know and those I am not aware of in order to realize the “abundance of His steadfast love”. God “does not afflict from his heart. God’s first instinct is not to punish. He does so only when his patience with sinners does not lead to their repentance.” (ESV Commentary)

Do you feel as though God is punishing you? Have you repented of the sins you know and don’t know? Do you believe that you will realize the abundance of God’s steadfast love through your repentance?

“⁵The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, ⁶and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” – Isaiah 33:5-6 (ESV)

When I read this verse and review just what is of abundance, I noticed that there is no mention of physical treasure at all. In fact, the treasure spoken of is of value for sure, but not things that hold a lot of monetary value to others. Salvation, wisdom, knowledge, fear, justice, and righteousness are not things that go into the ledger as stores of riches in the eyes of society. But in the eyes of the Christian, they hold value that is above compare.

As I pray to the Lord each day, I thank Him for the blessings He has given, repent of the sins I have committed, and ask for guidance and direction. Notice that I am not asking for monetary riches, as I know that those will come as blessings that I would be thankful for.

God provides what I need when I need and for that I am eternally grateful. Am I frustrated and disappointed that I do not have the new car, or the latest gadget, sure. I have to take a look at the bigger picture and keep my eyes on that which I am granted as I work in this world for my savior.

I have, in abundance, those items that are not placed in the ledger as store of riches in the eyes of society. But in the ledger kept as a record of the work I have done for my Lord, I am rich beyond compare.

What ledger are you looking to fill? Are you working for your Lord and Savior, or for yourself? Are you building the abundance of treasure in the ledger of the Lord?

“⁴⁰They asked, and he brought quail, and gave them bread from heaven in abundance. ⁴¹He openeded the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river.” – Psalm 105:40-41 (ESV)

The Israelites fled Egypt and had only some provisions. God provided them a way to escape Pharaoh across the Red Sea. God then provided for their hunger and thirst daily with more than they could use in that day.

I am provided for in abundance as well. I have plenty of food and shelter. I have water to quench my thirst. I have all that I “need”, and it is up to me to recognize that abundance is provided by God. He will not let me suffer from a lack of “needed” provision. He gives to His people those provisions that contribute to the accomplishment of the tasks He has in store for me. When I “need” food to get me through to the next day, it is there. When I “need” transportation to get me to the right destination, it is there. When I “need” friends to talk to about situations, they are there.

I am sure that there are times when I feel like my “need” is more than what it actually is, and it is in those times that I have to take a step back and look to the real “need” that is presented. I have to remember that God’s provision is for my “needs” in abundance. My view must be corrected from the want and desire to what is “needed” and there is where I will recognize that those “needs” have been provided for, with well more than I originally gave credit for.

When you look at what is in your life, are you seeing the “needs” as opposed to the wants? What does the fulfillment of those “needs” look like for you? Will you take time to recognize that God provides for those “needs” in abundance?

I got a serious wake up call this morning as I study God’s Word. I am in Romans and continue to study the word “Acknowledge” and was brought to Romans 1:18-32. The title in my ESV Bible is God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness. Here Paul is writing about God’s distaste for the unrighteous and his righteous actions toward them. The people willingly choose not to acknowledge God even though they are fully aware of Him and His attributes.

“²⁸And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” – Romans 1:28 (ESV)

The people willingly and knowingly acted against what they know about God. And thanks to that willingness, God allows us to continually act in a way that is contrary to and against what He has tasked us with doing.

“³²Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” – Romans 1:32 (ESV)

“People do not generally sin in innocent ignorance, for the know God’s decree (at least in and instinctive way) that their evil deserves condemnation. Indeed, the evil goes further when people give approval and applaud others for their sin, probably because having others join in their sin makes them feel better about the evil course they have chosen.” (ESV Commentary for verse 32)

I do believe in the right to free speech and our defending that which is wrong. Doing wrong will only invite and create more wrong. We see that everyday in our society. There is a wrong done and others feel as though they have been invited to do wrong also. This is a human trait and one that I have to remember to fight everyday.

It is up to me to ask for guidance and wisdom from God in all situations. Evil begets evil and invites others to into that evil. I have to remember that when I bring love, love will follow.

When you find yourself in a difficult spot, are you acknowledging God or giving way to the evil? Do you find yourself making excuses for your actions? Are you willing to slow down and ask God for guidance?

As Christians, we are persecuted everyday for our following of Christ. It is exhausting and difficult to continue accepting the “beat down” for doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord.

“³²So for everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,” – Matthew 10:32 (ESV)

This verse is so inspiring and uplifting for me in those times of exhaustion. It is simply my role to acknowledge Christ is the reason for my actions of love and the persecution is going to come at all times as there will always be those that do not understand or follow Christ as I do. Jesus makes it clear that when I follow Him and acknowledge Him, I will certainly be rewarded with acknowledgment in heaven with God the Father.

Now, if I choose not to acknowledge Christ:

“³³but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 10:33 (ESV)

When I choose to turn my back on Christ, He chooses to not acknowledge me with God the Father. That denial before God effectively seals the deal of spending eternity in persecution in hell.

I have a choice every day. The choice I make determines the level of persecution that I will endure. When I choose to acknowledge Jesus, I effectively choose the short term exhaustion based on the persecution of the day. When I choose to deny Jesus, I am choosing a short term win in exchange for an eternity of persecution. That short term win is not worth the long term persecution in my book. Besides, God will only allow me to take on as much as I can take and when I have reached the end, He will allow me to rest just as He did once His work was done.

“³So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” – Genesis 2:3 (ESV)

Are you able to acknowledge Jesus daily in spite of the persecution you will receive in the moment? Will you acknowledge Him to avoid Satan? What actions can you take to be sure that you are acknowledging Christ Jesus?

What is the approach when a mistake is made? I know that I have experienced deflection and denial and excuses for the mistake and ultimately the mistake is blamed on someone else.

“¹²Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, faithless Israel, declares the Lord. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the Lord: I will not be angry forever. ¹³Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the Lord your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the Lord. ¹⁴Return, O faithless children, declares the Lord; for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.’” – Jeremiah 3:12-14 (ESV)

Here the Lord is speaking to Jeremiah and giving him direction on how to interact with the people. God makes it clear that the mistakes have been made and are clearly in the past. The Lord declares that He will move on from the mistakes of the past and provide for those that acknowledge the mistake.

I have seen too many times those that hold on to the lie to save face. Ultimately they are found out and the consequences are much worse than if the acknowledgment had occurred so that it could be dealt with and move on from. Denying, lying, making excuses, these are the actions displayed by those that are guilty and are not willing to take responsibility for their actions.

I remember many times in my career where I have been confronted about some actions I took or failed to take. I can tell that the one confronting me is looking for me to put up walls and deflect, deny, lie, or make excuses as to what happened. The deflation in their face and countenance when I acknowledge my mistake is amazing to behold. The fight in their demeanor is completely removed when I do not fight back and take ownership of the action or inaction. There is such a disbelief that at one point it was stated by the person, “you are not going to deny it, or try to wiggle out of it?”. (With that one, not another word was said about the incident and similar instances have never materialized.)

I am still responsible for the consequences of my actions, however those consequences are deemed adequate for the instance and are not revisited going forward. God wants the people to know that when they acknowledge their guilt He will put it in the past and move forward. The consequences of the actions are there, however they are overshadowed by the love displayed in the rewards for repentance.

What is your approach to mistakes or instances that come up in your life? Are you willing to take ownership in the action or inaction? Will you acknowledge the mistakes and guilt and own the instance and accept God’s declaration that He will move on?

Have I acknowledged God in everything in my life? I like to think I do, but in my heart, I know that I lean on myself for a lot of things.

“⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. ⁷Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. ⁸It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)

I struggle daily with different things. One day it is in my personal life. The next in my career. The next in my financial well being. The reality is that I have those struggles and will continue to have them because I am human. The key thing for me to remember is that I should be turning them over to God for his guidance.

I have great days as well. One day in my personal life. The next in my career. The next in my financial well being. I have and will continue to have them because I am human. The key thing for me to remember is that I should be turning them over to God for his guidance.

I know, the previous paragraphs are basically the same with the substitution of great days for struggles being the biggest difference. The thing is that it is true. Why would I acknowledge God in one and not the other? Why would I turn one over to Him to guide me through and not the other?

There are a number of reasons why and I have to work through those with God personally. The thing is that I have to acknowledge Him in all things at all times. When I am in the middle of doing things on my own, I miss things that I cannot see based on my perspective. I have to yield to the one that knows all and can see all, GOD.

What areas are you seeking God’s guidance? Are you leaning on yourself for the vast majority of scenarios in your life? Are you acknowledging God in everything?

In my career as a training professional, one of the most important items to learn is empathy. A very basic definition of empathy is to understand and even before understanding comes acknowledgment.

“³³When your people Israel are defeated before the enemy because they have sinned against you, and if they turn again to you and acknowledge your name and pray and plead with you in this house, ³⁴then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them again to the land that you gave to their fathers.” – 1 Kings 8:33-34 (ESV)

Notice above that Solomon brings to the Lord for mercy. He does not try and pretend that the people of Israel are somehow better and do not deserve to destroyed. He makes it clear that the reason for their destruction is due to their sin. Solomon petitions for God to have mercy if and when the people acknowledge God and “pray and plead” for forgiveness.

In this case empathy is from the side of the people in that they must acknowledge and understand the position they have placed God in and that He is in control to take whatever action He feels is necessary. Shouldn’t I do the same. I am the sinner that places God in the position of choice. I have to acknowledge that fact and understand what would be the choices if I had to be the one dealing with this choice.

What would I do in the situation? How would I handle the disobedience?

I am a sinner and cause great pain to my Lord each time I sin, regardless of the “size” of that sin, and whether I know I sinned or not. It is up to me to acknowledge that I have sinned and understand the position I have placed my Father in and know that I can only repent and pray for forgiveness. The consequences to my sin are left up to God and it is up to me to acknowledge, understand, and accept those consequences of my actions.

Are you willing to acknowledge your responsibility? Do you understand the position that you put God in each time you sin? Will you acknowledge, understand, and accept the consequences of your actions?

Living a life like Christ means that I am to love. Love all. Well to go along with that love is to bless.

“⁸Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. ⁹Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV)

I have to bless for this I was “called” to do. I am tasked with doing the work of God in this world and when I really look at it, love is action and so is to bless. One is done with the other in mind. I am to bless to show love and I am loving to be a blessing. When I think of the one, the other is part of the equation by default.

I am here to not think of myself. I am here to think of you. And as I think of you, I love you and bring you blessing through my actions in this world. I LOVE YOU, and I BLESS YOU!

I may not know you. I cannot see you. I do not get to personally speak with you in general, but that does not stop me from loving and blessing you. You are my purpose as given to me by God. You are the one I am here to reach. God placed me here to be love for you and bless you.

When you look at your life, what are you here for? God loves you and provides blessings for you, are you aware of that? Will you be love and blessing for others?